Coordinating workouts across remote exercise machines

ABSTRACT

A method includes receiving, with a processor in communication with a first exercise machine, a first request for an exercise class, the first request being provided by a first user of the first exercise machine. The method also includes providing a video file associated with the exercise class to the first exercise machine, providing a notification to a second user indicating that the first user has chosen to participate in the exercise class, and receiving a second request for the exercise class provided by the second user. The method further includes providing the video file to a second exercise machine of the second user via the network. In such a method, display of the video file via a display of the second exercise machine is synchronized with display of the video file via a display of the first exercise machine.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a nonprovisional application of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/598,997, filed on Dec. 14, 2017, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates generally to the field of exercise machines andmethods associated therewith. In particular, this application relates toan exercise system and method configured to provide streaming andon-demand exercise classes to one or more users.

BACKGROUND

Humans are competitive by nature, striving to improve their performanceboth as compared to their own prior efforts and as compared to others.Humans are also drawn to games and other diversions, such that eventasks that a person may find difficult or annoying can become appealingif different gaming elements are introduced. Existing home and gym-basedexercise systems and methods frequently lack key features that allowparticipants to compete with each other, converse with each other, andthat gamify exercise activities.

While some existing exercise machines incorporate diversions such asvideo displays that present content or performance data to the userwhile they exercise, these systems lack the ability to truly engage theuser in a competitive or gaming scenario that improves both the user'sexperience and performance. Such systems also lack the ability tofacilitate real-time sharing of information, conversation, data, and/orother content between users, as well as between an instructor and one ormore users.

To improve the experience and provide a more engaging environment, gymsoffer exercise classes such as aerobics classes, yoga classes, spinclasses, or other classes in which an instructor leads participants in avariety of exercises. Such class-based experiences, however, areaccessible only at specific times and locations. As a result, they areunavailable to many potential participants, generally are veryexpensive, and often sell-out so that even potential participants in alocation convenient to the gym cannot reserve a class.

Further, it is understood that the travel associated with such gym-basedexercise classes can also have unintended negative environmental and/orsocietal impacts. For instance, participants must travel to and from thegym to participate in such exercise classes, and such travel canincrease local traffic and/or can tax public modes of transportation.Such increased traffic can be a nuisance, particularly in urban areaswhere the population density is relatively high. Further, the elevatedexhaust emissions and resource usage (gasoline, diesel fuel, naturalgas, electricity, etc.) associated with such increased traffic levelscan be harmful to the environment. Additionally, the time associatedwith traveling to and from the gym to participate in the exerciseclasses described above, and/or the distance between, for example, theparticipant's home and the gym, can be a deterrent for some potentialparticipants who might otherwise participate in such classes. Time is aprecious resource for exercise class participants, and over the courseof weeks or months, the total commuting time for participants ofgym-based exercise classes can add up to a significant amount ofwasted/lost time.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure address the environmental,societal, and other problems described above by providing home-basedexercise machines that facilitate live streaming of instructionalcontent (e.g., exercise classes or other workouts), streaming ofarchived instructional content, socially networked audio and video chat,networked performance metrics, competition capabilities, and a range ofgamification features. As a result of the various example embodimentsdescribed herein, traffic and/or public transportation usage may bereduced, thereby resulting in a corresponding reduction in exhaustemissions, resource usage, and other negative environmental impacts.Additionally, since the lost commuting time associated with traveling toand from the gym is eliminated by the example home-based exercisemachines and exercise systems of the present disclosure, the disclosedexercise machines and/or exercise systems may improve the quality oflife of users by enabling such users to re-gain such lost/wastedcommuting time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a method includesreceiving an instruction to begin a video stream of an exercise routine,such as an exercise class or workout, by a first user at a firstexercise machine. The method may also include beginning playback at thefirst exercise machine and providing a notification to other users, suchas users associated with the first user, that the workout has commenced.According to aspects of the method, the notified other users (e.g., oneor more second users) may indicate their desire to workout, on theirrespective exercise machine, with the first user. Based on their desireto join, the second user(s) may be provided with a video playback thatis substantially identical to the playback displayed to the first userat the first exercise machine. In some implementations, the first usermay be notified that other users are joining her and/or the other usersmay be provided with information about the first user.

For example, some implementations of this disclosure, once second usersare joined to participate in an exercise class, e.g., a pre-recordedclass, the exercise machines use by the second users may collectinformation about the respective users, e.g., via sensors associatedwith the users, the exercise machines, and/or the user's equipment.Implementations of this disclosure also may determine one or moreactivity scores based at least partly on the sensor informationassociated with the first user and the additional users, and in suchexamples a processor may generate one or more user interfaces to displaythose scores. For example, the user interface may include a leaderboardthat includes, among other things, activity scores corresponding to thefirst user and the additional user(s) that joined the first user. Theleaderboard may be limited to all current participants of the workout,or may include scores for all users that have participated in the class.In some embodiments, users may be able to toggle or otherwise switchbetween a first leaderboard that includes only current participants anda second leaderboard that includes all participants for all time. Otherfilters may be applied to the leaderboard. In such examples,implementations of this disclosure may provide the user interface, inreal time, to each of the users currently participating in the workout.In addition to seeing the leaderboard, each user may see his or her ownactivity scores, one or more additional performance metricscorresponding to the user's activity, and/or other information.Moreover, in implementations of this disclosure, the user interface maybe updated to indicate when new participants join the workout.

In additional examples described herein, a user may be able to schedulea playback of a pre-recorded workout and invite others to join herduring the playback. Once joined, performance metrics for each of theparticipants may be determined and compared in real time. Thus, forexample, in implementations of this disclosure, the user may be able tosimulate an exercise class with other users, in real time, despite theclass having already taken place, and the other users being remote.

Accordingly, as will be described below, in each of the exampleembodiments described herein, the use of home-based and networkedexercise machines may assist in reducing traffic and/or publictransportation usage. As a result, the networked home-based exercisemachines of the present disclosure may contribute to reducing exhaustemissions, resource usage, and other negative environmental impactsassociated with automobiles and other traditional modes oftransportation. Additionally, since the example home-based networkedexercise machines of the present disclosure eliminate the need for usersto travel to a gym in order to participate in an exercise class, lostcommuting time is eliminated, and users are left with more time in theirday. Accordingly, the quality of life of such users is significantlyimproved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Thesame reference numbers in different figures indicate similar oridentical items.

FIG. 1 illustrates a flow chart corresponding to an example method ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example user interface of the present disclosure.Aspects of the user interface shown in FIG. 2 may correspond to themethod described herein with respect to FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart corresponding to another example methodof the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate example user interfaces of the presentdisclosure. Aspects of the user interfaces shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B maycorrespond to the method described herein with respect to FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart corresponding to another example methodof the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example user interface of the present disclosure.Aspects of the user interface shown in FIG. 6 may correspond to themethod described herein with respect to FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example user interface of the present disclosure.Aspects of the user interface shown in FIG. 7 may correspond to themethod described herein with respect to FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use aspects of the example embodiments describedherein. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forthto provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.Descriptions of specific embodiments or applications are provided onlyas examples. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and general principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments and applications withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, thepresent disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodimentsshown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent withthe principles and features disclosed herein.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure include networked exercisesystems and methods whereby one or more home-based networked exercisemachines, such as treadmills, rowing machines, stationary bicycles,elliptical trainers, or any other suitable exercise machine, may beequipped with an associated local system that allows a user to fullyparticipate in live instructor-led or recorded exercise classes from anylocation that can access a suitable communications network. Thenetworked exercise systems, exercise machines, and methods may includebackend systems with equipment including without limitation servers,digital storage systems, and other hardware as well as software tomanage all processing, communications, database, and other functions.The networked exercise systems, exercise machines, and methods may alsoinclude one or more studio or other recording locations with cameras,microphones, and audio and/or visual outputs where one or moreinstructors can lead exercise classes and in some embodiments where liveexercise classes can be conducted, and where such live andpreviously-recorded classes can be distributed via the communicationsnetwork. In various embodiments, there may be a plurality of recordinglocations that can interact with each other and/or with any number ofindividual users.

In various embodiments, the example exercise systems and exercisemachines described herein provide for full interactivity in alldirections. Whether remote or in the same location, instructors may beable to interact with users, users may be able to interact withinstructors, and users may be able to interact with other users. Throughthe disclosed networked exercise systems and exercise machines,instructors may be able to solicit feedback from users, and users may beable to provide feedback to the instructor, vote or express opinions ondifferent choices or options, and communicate regarding theirexperience. Such example exercise systems and exercise machines allowfor interaction through all media, including one or more video channels,audio including voice and/or music, and data including a complete rangeof performance data, vital statistics, chat, voice, and text-based andother communications.

In various embodiments, the exercise systems and home-based networkedexercise machines described herein also allow an unlimited number ofremote users to view and participate in the same live or recordedcontent simultaneously, and in various embodiments remote users may beable to interact with some or all of the other users viewing samecontent. Remote users can participate in live exercise classes offeredfrom any available remote recording location, or they can accesspreviously recorded classes archived in the system database. In variousembodiments, a plurality of remote users can simultaneously access thesame recorded class and interact with each other in real time, or theycan access the same recorded class at different times and share data andcommunications about their performance or other topics.

Thus, the networked exercise systems and exercise machines, and thecorresponding methods described herein, provide for content creation,content management and distribution, and content consumption. Variousaspects of such exercise systems and exercise machines, user interfacesthat may be provided to users via such machines, and the potentialinteractions between such machines, will now be described in moredetail.

Exercise Machine

Although not illustrated in the figures filed herewith, in variousexample embodiments of the present disclosure, a local system mayinclude a home-based networked exercise machine such as a stationarybicycle, a treadmill, an elliptical machine, a rower, or other exercisemachine with integrated or connected digital hardware including one ormore displays (e.g., a touch screen display, an LCD, etc.) for use inconnection with an instructor lead exercise class and/or for displayingother digital content. For ease of description, the exercise machine maybe described and/or otherwise referred to herein as a “treadmill,” a“stationary bicycle,” or a “cycle.” However, as noted above, exampleexercise machines of the present disclosure may be any suitable type ofexercise machine, including a rowing machine, elliptical trainer, stairclimber, etc.

In various example embodiments, the one or more displays may be mounteddirectly to the exercise machine or otherwise placed within view of auser. In various exemplary embodiments, the one or more displays allowthe user to view content relating to a selected exercise class bothwhile working out on the exercise machine and while working out in oneor more locations near or adjacent to the exercise machine.

Additionally, digital hardware associated with the exercise machine maybe connected to or integrated with the exercise machine, or it may belocated remotely and wired or wirelessly connected to the exercisemachine. Such digital hardware may include digital storage (e.g.,memory), one or more processors or other like computers or controllers,communications hardware, software, and/or one or more media input/outputdevices such as displays, cameras, microphones, keyboards, touchscreens,headsets, and/or audio speakers. In various exemplary embodiments, thesecomponents may be connected to and/or otherwise integrated with theexercise machine. All communications between and among such componentsof the digital hardware may be multichannel, multi-directional, andwireless or wired, using any appropriate protocol or technology. Invarious exemplary embodiments, the digital hardware of the exercisemachine may include associated mobile and web-based application programsthat provide access to account, performance, and other relevantinformation to users from local or remote exercise machines, processors,controllers, personal computers, laptops, mobile devices, or any otherdigital device or digital hardware. In any of the examples describedherein, the one or more controllers, processors, and/or other digitalhardware associated with the exercise machine may be operable to performone or more functions associated with control logic of the exercisemachine. Such control logic may comprise one or more rules, programs, orother instructions stored in a memory of the digital hardware. Forexample, one or more processors included in the digital hardware may beprogrammed to perform operations in accordance with rules, programs, orother instructions of the control logic, and such processors may also beprogrammed to perform one or more additional operations in accordancewith and/or at least partly in response to input received via one orcontrols of the exercise machine, via the display, and/or via one ormore sensors of the exercise machine.

For example, in some embodiments the exercise machine may include one ormore sensors configured to sense, detect, measure, and/or otherwisedetermine various performance metrics from both the exercise machine andthe user, instantaneously and/or over time. For example, the exercisemachine may include one or more sensors that measure a rotational speedof a flywheel, motor, track, belt, pedals, and/or other rotationalcomponents of the exercise machine. One or more such sensors may alsomeasure a load or force applied to the one or more such components bythe user. Such sensors may also measure and/or otherwise determine anamount of energy expended by the user, a power output of the exercisemachine, a corresponding power output of the user, user weight, steps,distance, total work, repetitions, an amount of resistance applied tothe motor or flywheel of the exercise machine, as well as any othersuitable performance metric associated with, for example, a stationarybicycle or a treadmill. The exercise machine may also include sensors tomeasure user heart-rate, respiration, hydration, calorie burn, or anyother physical performance metrics, or to receive such data from sensorsprovided by the user. Where appropriate, such performance metrics can becalculated as current/instantaneous values, maximum, minimum, average,or total over time, or using any other statistical analysis. Trends canalso be determined, stored, and displayed to the user, the instructor,and/or other users. Such sensors may communicate with memory and/orprocessors of the digital hardware associated with the exercise machine,nearby, or at a remote location, using wired or wireless connections.

Display and User Interface

One or more displays connected to and/or otherwise associated with theexercise machine may be driven by a user input device such as atouchscreen, mouse, voice control, or other suitable input device. Insome examples, the display or at least a portion thereof, may comprise atouchscreen configured to receive touch input from the user. The one ormore displays may be any size, but optimally are large enough andoriented to allow the display of a range of information including one ormore video streams, a range of performance metrics corresponding to theuser, a range of additional performance metrics associated with one ormore additional users exercising on exercise machines remote from theexercise machine, and a range of different controls.

In various exemplary embodiments, the user can use the display or one ormore user interfaces displayed on the display to selectively present arange of different information including live and/or archived video,performance data, and other user and system information. As will bedescribed below, such user interfaces can provide a wide range ofcontrol and informational windows that can be accessed and removedindividually and/or as a group by a click, touch, voice command, orgesture. In various exemplary embodiments, such windows may provideinformation about the user's own performance and/or the performance ofother participants in the same class both past and present.

Example user interfaces presented via the display may be used to accessmember information, login and logout of the system, access live contentsuch as live exercise classes and archived classes or other content.User information may be displayed in a variety of formats and mayinclude historical and current performance and account information,social networking links and information, achievements, etc. The userinterfaces described herein can also be used to access the system toupdate profile or member information, manage account settings such asinformation sharing, and control device settings.

An example user interface may also be presented on the one or moredisplays to allow users to manage their experience, including selectinginformation to be displayed and arranging how such information isdisplayed on the display. Such a user interface may present multipletypes of information overlaid such that different types of informationcan be selected or deselected easily by the user. For example,performance metrics and/or other information may be displayed over videocontent using translucent or partially transparent elements so the videobehind the information elements can be seen together with (i.e.,simultaneously with) the performance metrics and/or other informationitself. Further, example user interfaces may present a variety ofscreens to the user which the user can move among quickly using theprovided user input device, including by touching if a touchscreen isused.

In any of the examples described herein, the processor and/or othercomponents of the digital hardware may control the display and/orotherwise cause the display to display the various user interfaces ofthe present disclosure. For example, the processor or other componentsof the digital hardware may cause the display to display a userinterface comprising a home screen that provides basic information aboutthe system and/or the exercise machine, as well as available options.Such a home screen may provide direct links to information such asscheduled classes, archived classes, a leaderboard, instructors, and/orprofile and account information. The home screen may also provide directlinks to content such as a link to join a particular class. The user cannavigate among the different portions of the home screen by selectingsuch links using the applicable input device such as by touching thetouchscreen at the indicated location, or by swiping to display a newscreen. An example user interface providing such a home screen may alsoprovide other information relevant to the user such as social networkinformation, and navigation buttons that allow the user to move quicklyamong the different screens in the user interface.

In various example embodiments, a processor of the present disclosuremay be programmed and/or otherwise configured to generate and providevarious user interfaces to a plurality of users such that the users mayparticipate in live or archived workouts using the exercise machine.FIG. 1 illustrates a flow chart illustrative of an example method 100 ofthe present disclosure in which a processor (either a remote processoror a processor local to one or more of the exercise machines) generatesand provides such user interfaces. For example, at 102 the processor mayreceive an input (e.g., a user selection), from a first user, to begin aworkout. For example, the user may select a live or pre-recorded workoutfrom a list, array, or other arrangement of indications of availableworkouts displayed on a display associated with the first user'sexercise machine. In some examples, the processor may be associated withor otherwise configured to access one or more databases to retrieve adigital recording of a workout, such as an exercise class. In someembodiments, the one or more databases may comprise remote databases,e.g., remote from the first user. For example, the one or more databasesmay be associated with servers at a production facility or othercentralized locale. In other implementations, the database(s) may beembodied as cloud or remote server storage. In still furtherembodiments, the database(s) may be local to the user, e.g., embodied asa memory associated with the user's exercise machine. In any of theexamples described herein, at 102 the method 100 may include, receiving,with a processor in communication with a first exercise machine, a firstrequest for an exercise class, and in such examples, the request may beprovided by a first user of the first exercise machine. In someexamples, such a request may be included in one or more signals providedby the first exercise machine, to the processor (e.g., a remoteprocessor), via a network.

At 104, in response to receiving the user section to begin the workout,the processor may cause the requested workout to begin. For example, theprocessor may cause video content and/or audio content to be presentedto the first user, e.g., via a speaker and/or video display associatedwith the first user's exercise machine. For instance, the processor mayfacilitate streaming of, and/or may otherwise provide, a digital videofile comprising video content and/or audio content of the workout to thefirst user over a network such as a wired or wireless network. Moreover,in some instances, the processor may cause a change to be effected atthe exercise machine (e.g., to prepare the exercise machine for theworkout). In some instances, for example, the processor may cause achange in one or more of an incline, a resistance, a belt speed, or thelike, depending on the type of equipment and the requirements of theselected workout. Although 104 contemplates starting the workout, inother implementations, some interval of time may be provided before theworkout actually commences. For example, the interval may allow othersto join prior to the user starting and/or may provide for a warm-up orother preparation time. In any of the examples described herein, at 104the method 100 may include, providing a video file comprising audiocontent and video content associated with the exercise class to thefirst exercise machine of the first user, and via the network.

At 106, the processor may determine one or more additional usersassociated with the first user. For example, one or more databasesassociated with the exercise system may include user associations thatgroup or otherwise relate users. For instance, the first user may have“friended” or otherwise created a mutual association with one or moreadditional users. In other embodiments, the association may be aunilateral association (e.g., the one or more additional users followthe first user, or the first user follows the one or more additionalusers). In other implementations, the associations may be determinedbased on one or more characteristics of the first user and/or the one ormore additional users. For instance, users may be associated based oncommon membership to a group, based on shared demographic (e.g., age,gender, ethnicity, etc.) or preference information, based on location,and/or based on other factors.

At 108, the processor may notify the one or more additional usersdetermined at 106 that the first user has chosen to participate in theexercise class and/or that the first user has commenced her workout.This notification may be done via conventional messaging (e.g., email,SMS, or push notification). For example, at 108 the processor maygenerate a notification signal and send the signal to respectiveprocessor of one or more additional exercise machines. In someimplementations, the notification may be provided only to the respectiveexercise machines of the additional users or only to the exercisemachines of users that are currently active on their respectiveequipment. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates an example user interface 200in which a pop-up window 202 or other graphical or textual convention isused to convey to the additional user(s) that the first user is workingout. In implementations of this disclosure, the user interface 200 isdisplayed on a display associated with each of the additional user'sexercise machine. In any of the examples described herein, at 108 themethod 100 may include providing a signal and/or other notification to asecond user via the network. In such examples, the notification mayindicate that the first user has chosen to participate in a particularexercise class. Such a notification may be provided to the second uservia a second exercise machine of the second user and/or via a mobiledevice of the second user, via email, etc.

At 110, the processor may receive a second user request, a second userselection, or other such input to view information about the workout.For instance, in embodiments of this disclosure, the second user may beone of the additional users, and the selection to view the informationabout the workout may correspond to a user selection of an interactivecontrol on a displayed user interface. By way of non-limiting example,the user interface 200 includes an interactive control 204, theselection of which generates a signal to provide the user withinformation about the workout.

At 112, the processor generates a user interface with information aboutthe workout. More specifically, at 112, the processor generates a userinterface that is responsive to the selection at 110. Again, withreference to the example interface 200 illustrated in FIG. 2, a list 206may include graphical representations 208 a, 208 b, 208 c of eachworkout currently being undertaken by other associated users.

At 114, the processor may receive a selection from one or moreadditional users (e.g., a second user) to join the workout. Forinstance, one of the second users may decide to join the first user inher workout and indicate this decision by selecting or otherwiseinteracting with the second user's display. In the example userinterface 200 illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, the second user, whenpresented with the user interface 200, may opt to join in thefirst-listed workout by selecting a “join” control 210 associated withthe graphical representation 208 a for that workout. In any of theexamples described herein, at 114 the method 100 may include, receiving,with the processor and via the network, a second request for theexercise class. In such examples, the second request may comprise one ormore signals or inputs provided by the second user via the secondexercise machine of the second user and/or via a mobile device of thesecond user, via email, etc.

At 116, the processor may generate a user interface for the first userindicating the second user has joined. For instance, a notification orother message may be presented to the first user on a display associatedwith the first user's exercise machine, indicating that the second userhas joined the workout. For instance, as described below with referenceto FIG. 4B, new users that join the workout may be displayed on aportion of a user interface, such as in conjunction with a leaderboard.Similarly, at 118, the processor may generate a user interface for thesecond user with information about the first user. For instance, thesecond user may be notified that he has successfully joined the firstuser's workout. Moreover, performance data for the first and secondusers may be shared therebetween, as well as with other users partakingof the workout. In addition, the association of the two users with theworkout may trigger the processors to provide communication between thefirst user in the second user. For example, the users may be providedwith text-based messaging capabilities on the respective screens. Inother embodiments, the first user may be provided with a video stream ofthe second user and/or the second user may be provided with a videostream of the first user.

According to the method described above with respect to FIG. 1, aspectsof this disclosure may allow users to work out with friends, even whenthe users are in geographically diverse locations. Moreover, because theusers may be working out together using a prerecorded workout video, theusers may have more flexibility to coordinate their workouts whencompared to scenarios in which the users are coordinating relative tolive exercise classes. In some implementations, a user may be able tofind someone with whom to workout regardless of time of day or location.

As noted above, FIG. 2 illustrates a user interface 200 via which a usermay join one or more friends or acquaintances in a workout. As brieflydescribed above, the user interface 200 includes the pop-up window 202,which may be any messaging-type information box or window that indicatesto the user that one or more associated/additional users are workingout. The pop-up window 202 also includes the selectable control 204,which allows the user to see the workouts currently being undertaken. Inother embodiments, the workouts may be automatically shown to the user,such that the selectable control 204 may not be necessary. Othermodifications also contemplated and will be appreciated by those havingordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. The userinterface 200 also includes (or includes after selection of the control204) the list 206 of workouts, the graphical representations 208 a, 208b, 208 c, associated with the workouts, and the controls 210 for joiningthe workouts. Users currently taking part in the workouts may also bedisplayed, such as by representations 212.

As also illustrated in FIG. 2, the control 210 for joining the workoutmay be different depending on a state of the workout. For example, afirst workout, associated with the first representation 208 a has notyet started, and the associated control 210 allows a user to “join” theworkout. In this context, joining the workout by selecting the control210 may prompt the processor to display a countdown to the start of theworkout. As also illustrated by the user interface 200, a timer 214 maybe provided to inform the user of a status of the workout class, and insome embodiments, that timer 214 may be expanded until the workoutstarts. Alternatively, or additionally, when the workout has not yetstarted, instructions for warm-up or other information about the workout(e.g., additional equipment required to complete the workout, or thelike) may be displayed to the user. Although the example “join” control210 is shown in conjunction with a class that has not yet started, andthe timer 214 a shows the time until the class starts, in otherembodiments, the class may have already started, in which case, thetimer 214 a may inform how much of the class has elapsed. Should theuser select to join a class that is already in progress, the playback ofthe class may be synchronized to the playback of the users alreadytaking the class, so all users are at the same point in the class. Thus,the experience may be similar to the user walking in late to a spinningor other class that is already in progress at a fitness center or thelike. In any of the examples described herein, the method 100 mayinclude, based at least partly on a request received from the seconduser, providing the video file to the second exercise machine of thesecond user via the network described above. In such examples, displayof the video file via a display of the first exercise machine (e.g., theexercise machine of the first user) may be synchronized with display ofthe video file via a display of the second exercise machine (e.g., theexercise machine of the second user).

In the user interface 200, the second listed workout, associated withthe graphical representation 208 b, has already started. In theillustration, the processor may replace the word “join” with the word“resume.” As also illustrated, by the timer 214 b, the second workouthas already begun. In embodiments of this disclosure, the user mayalready be taking the second-listed class, but may have left theplayback of the class to view other classes and friends taking thoseclasses (or the interface 200 may be displayed in conjunction with thevideo playback of that workout). Thus, selecting “resume” may take theuser back to the video display of that second workout.

The final listed workout, associated with the graphical representation208 c, also includes a control 210 and a timer 214 c, but the control210 and the timer 214 c are grayed out. In this embodiment, the grayingout of the control 210 and the timer 214 c indicates that the user isnot capable of joining the third workout. For instance, the user may beunable to join the workout because some threshold amount of time iselapsed in the workout (e.g., more than half of the workout haselapsed), or because the number of simultaneous users may be capped. Forexample, under the control 210 is an indication that zero sports areleft. This indication is in contrast to the indication associated withthe first graphical representation 208 a of the first workout, whichindicates that five spots are left in the first workout.

It is understood that in any of the examples described herein, by atleast one of beginning playback of the workout on a first user'sexercise machine (at 102), determining additional users associated withthe first user (at 106), notifying such additional users of the firstuser's workout (at 108), receiving a second user's selection to join theworkout (at 114), generating one or more corresponding user interfaces(at 116), and/or facilitating other operations described herein, themethod 100 described with respect to FIG. 1 may be useful in reducingtraffic and/or public transportation usage. As a result, the networkedhome-based exercise machines of the present disclosure utilized inassociation with the method 100 may contribute to reducing exhaustemissions, resource usage, and other negative environmental impactsassociated with automobiles and other traditional modes oftransportation. Additionally, since the example home-based networkedexercise machines utilized in association with the method 100 eliminatethe need for users to travel to a gym in order to participate in theselected workout, lost commuting time is eliminated, and the usersassociated with the method 100 are left with more time in their day.Accordingly, the quality of life of such users may be improved.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example method 300 for creating a shared exerciseexperience for users of discrete exercise machine. As described abovewith respect to the method 100 shown in FIG. 1, in various exampleembodiments, a processor of the present disclosure may be programmedand/or otherwise configured to generate and provide various userinterfaces to a plurality of users such that the users may participatein live or archived workouts using the exercise machine. Accordingly,such a processor (either a remote processor or a processor local to oneor more of the exercise machines) may perform one or more of theoperations described herein with respect to the method 300.

For example, at 302 a processor of the present disclosure may cause theplayback of a prerecorded workout on a display associated with a firstuser at a time T₀. For example, a user may log into an interfaceassociated with exercise machine and choose to have a prerecordedworkout class presented on a display associated with the user'sequipment. In any of the examples described herein, at 302, the method300 may include receiving, with a processor (e.g., a remote processor)in communication with a first exercise machine, a first request for apre-recorded exercise class or other such workout. In such examples, at302 the first request may be provided by a first user of the exercisemachine.

At 304, the processor may generate, and cause to be rendered, a userinterface for one or more additional users. This user interfaceindicates to other users that the first user has commenced her workout.For example, as in the process 100 described above, the additional usersbeing presented with the user interface generated at 304 can be selectedbased on their association with the first user. In other embodiments,all users or some other subset of all users may be presented with theuser interface indicative of the first user starting her workout. Forexample, the workout may be a “public” workout, open to any user. In anyof the examples described herein, at 304, the method 300 may includeproviding (e.g., with the remote processor described above) a video filecomprising audio content and video content associated with the exerciseclass to the first exercise machine, and via a network.

At 306, the processor may receive an additional user selection to jointhe first user in the workout at some time after commencement of thefirst user's workout. For example, one or more additional users maydecide to work out with the first user, and may choose to join the firstuser in her workout. Steps described above with regard to FIG. 1 may beused to facilitate joining of the first user's workout, for example. Inany of the examples described herein, at 306, the method 300 may includereceiving, with the processor (e.g., the remote processor) and via thenetwork, a second request for the exercise class. In such examples, at306 the second request may be provided by the second user after thefirst user began participating in the exercise class or other suchworkout.

At 308, the processor may sync the first user's playback of theprerecorded workout on a display associated with the additional user(s)who have indicated they would like to join the first user in herworkout. Accordingly, each of the users who joins the first user'sworkout will begin viewing the workout at the same spot at which thefirst user is currently viewing the workout. Thus, if an additional userjoins the first user's workout when the workout is 45 seconds inprogress, the additional user will not be streamed the first 45 secondsof the workout. In effect, the additional user will have missed thefirst 45 seconds of the workout, as if the additional user was late tothe start of an exercise class. Moreover, collection of data anddetermination of performance metrics may commence only upon joining,such that the later joining user may be forced to “catch up” to thefirst user and any other users who may have joined first. In any of theexamples described herein, at 308, the method 300 may include, based atleast partly on the second request described above with respect to 306,providing the video file to a second exercise machine of the second uservia the network.

At 310, the processor may generate an updated user interface for displayon the first user's display, indicating that one or more additionalusers joined her workout. For example, the user who initiated theworkout may be provided with a list or other graphical representation ofother users joining her in her workout. FIG. 4B illustrates such a list.Moreover, as additional users join, any users already participating inthe workout may be provide with a similar indication of newly joinedparticipants.

At 312, the processor may receive first information about metricsassociated with the first user during the workout. For example at 312,the processor may receive a plurality of sensor information associatedwith the first user. Such sensor information may include, for example,at least one of speed, incline, heart rate, distance, hydration,respiration, output, cadence, and/or any other performance metrics orother parameters described herein. It is understood that such firstsensor information may be received by the processor at 312, via one ormore networks, communications interfaces, mobile devices, wearabledevices, monitors, and/or other devices used to connect the processorwith the user's exercise machine, which may be remote from theprocessor. In any of the examples described herein, at 312, the method300 may include receiving, with the processor (e.g., the remoteprocessor) and via the network, first information from the firstexercise machine. In such examples, at 312 the first information mayindicate one or more performance metrics of the first user determinedduring performance of the exercise class.

At 314, the processor may receive additional information about metricsassociated with the one or more additional users that joined the firstuser's workout. For example, the processor may receive a plurality ofsensor information associated with the additional user(s), which maycomprise the same type of sensor information as received for the firstuser. Such sensor information may include, for example, at least one ofspeed, incline, heart rate, distance, hydration, respiration, output,cadence, and/or any other performance metrics or other parametersdescribed herein. It is understood that such additional sensorinformation may be received by the processor at 314, via one or morenetworks, communications interfaces, mobile devices, wearable devices,monitors, and/or other devices used to connect the processor with theadditional user's exercise machine, which may be remote from theprocessor and/or the first user's machine.

At 316, the processor may determine one or more performance metricsbased on at least some of the information received at 312 and/or at 314.For instance, at 316, the processor may determine a first score (e.g., a“performance metric score”) for the first user based at least partly onthe first sensor information received at 314. For example, the processormay use such information as respective inputs into one or more neuralnetworks, algorithms, look-up tables, and/or other software and/orhardware components associated with the processor in order to generate acorresponding score. In such examples, the score determined at 316 maycomprise a current output of the first user. For example, as noted abovesuch user output may comprise a metric indicative of the energy expendedby the particular user during the exercise class and/or other suchworkout. In some examples, such a user output may be calculated and/orotherwise determined based at least partly on (e.g., as a function of)one or more of a speed at which the user is peddling, a resistancevalue, a brake value, a pedal cadence, and/or other value indicative ofa particular setting of a stationary bicycle. Alternatively, inembodiments in which the exercise machine comprises a treadmill, such auser output may be calculated and/or otherwise determined based at leastpartly on (e.g., as a function of) one or more of an incline of thedeck, a speed of the belt, a resistance of the belt, and/or otherfactors.

For example, in embodiments in which the exercise machine comprises astationary bicycle (e.g., a networked home-based stationary bicycle),the processor may utilize the following algorithm in determining thescore (e.g., the performance metric score and/or any other such “output”of the first user) at 316:Score_(bicycle)=(A(S)+B(R))/100,wherein “S” comprises a speed (e.g., miles per hour, revolutions perminute etc.) at which the user is pedaling, “R” comprises a resistancevalue (e.g., pounds force, volts, amperes, ohms, etc.) associated with amagnetic brake, flywheel, or other component of the stationary bicycle,“A” comprises a first weight, factor, or other coefficient associatedwith the speed S at which the user is pedaling, and “B” comprises asecond weight, factor, or other coefficient associated with theresistance value R. In such examples, the above algorithm(Score_(bicycle)) may be used alone or in combination with one or morealgorithms to generate, calculate, and/or otherwise determine the scoreat 316. In any of the examples, described herein, the above algorithm(Score_(bicycle)) may include greater or fewer terms than those listedabove. Additionally or alternatively, one or more look-up tables (e.g.,including stored speed values, resistance values, and/or other values),neural networks, and/or other components may be employed by theprocessor to determine the score at 316.

In further embodiments in which the exercise machine comprises atreadmill (e.g., a networked home-based treadmill), the processor mayutilize the following algorithm in determining the score (e.g., theperformance metric score and/or any other such “output” of the firstuser) at 316:Score_(treadmill)=(C(S)+D(I))/100,wherein “S” comprises a speed (e.g., miles per hour, etc.) at which theuser is walking, jogging, or running on a belt of the treadmill, “I”comprises an incline of a deck of the treadmill (e.g., inches, etc.),“C” comprises a first weight, factor, or other coefficient associatedwith the speed S at which the user is walking, jogging, or running, and“D” comprises a second weight, factor, or other coefficient associatedwith the incline I of the deck. In such examples, the speed S maycomprise and/or may be indicative of a belt speed (e.g., revolutions perminute) associated with the belt of the treadmill. Additionally, in suchexamples the incline I may be measured with respect to a floor, base,and/or other support surface on which the treadmill is disposed. In anyof the examples described herein, the incline I may comprise and/or maybe indicative of an angle of incline (e.g., 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15degrees, etc.) as measured relative to such a support surface. Further,the above algorithm (Score_(treadmill)) may be used alone or incombination with one or more algorithms to generate, calculate, and/orotherwise determine the score at 316. In any of the examples, describedherein, the above algorithm (Score_(treadmill)) may include greater orfewer terms than those listed above. Additionally or alternatively, oneor more look-up tables (e.g., including stored speed values, resistancevalues, and/or other values), neural networks, and/or other componentsmay be employed by the processor to determine the score at 316.

It is understood that the score determined at 316 may include and/or maycomprise one or more additional values such as a distance travelled bythe user during the workout (e.g., miles, kilometers, etc.) an averageoutput of the user, a total output of the user, a current cadence, anaverage cadence, a current resistance, an average resistance, a currentspeed, an average speed, a number of calories burned, a current pace, anaverage pace over the course of the workout, a current heart rate of theuser (e.g., as determined by a heart rate monitor, a wearable device,and/or by one or more sensors on the exercise machine), an amount oftime spent in one or more particular heart rate zones, an average heartrate zone based at least in part on personalized heart rate zoneinformation, an elevation climbed by the user during the workout, ameasure of the user's compliance (e.g., accuracy) with instructionsgiven by the instructor during the workout, and/or any other similarmetric. For instance, in some examples the score generated at 316 maycomprise an accuracy metric and/or any other metric indicating howclosely the user's heart rate zone, output, power zone, resistance,speed, incline, running form, walking form, gate, seat position, orother performance metrics match those requested, suggested, commanded,or otherwise noted by the instructor during a particular exercise classor other workout participated in by the user via the exercise machine.Further, at 316, the processor may determine additional scorescorresponding to each of the respective plurality of additional usersparticipating in the exercise class and/or other workout. In any of theexamples described herein, at 316, the method 300 may include generatinga performance metric score of the first user based at least partly onthe first information received at 312. In such examples, at 316 theperformance metric score may be indicative of an amount of energyexpended by the first user during performance of the exercise class.

At 318, the processor may generate, and cause to be display, aperformance user interface. For example, the performance user interfacemay comprise a leaderboard or other comparative graphic that showsrelative performance of the first user and the additional user(s). Inany of the examples described herein, at 318, the method 300 may includeproviding the performance metric score (generated at 316) to the firstexercise machine and/or to the second exercise machine via the network.

At 320, the processor may receive an indication to filter theperformance user interface and at 322, the processor may update theperformance user interface based on the indication to filter. Thisconcept is best described with reference to FIG. 4 a.

More specifically, FIG. 4a shows three example user interfaces 400 a,400 b, 400 c, with the user interface 400 a including a leaderboard 402a and the user interface 400 b including a leaderboard 402 b. Theleaderboards 402 a, 402 b may be generated at 318. The leaderboards 402a, 402 b may allow each user to see their performance in comparison toothers taking and/or participating in the same exercise class. Invarious exemplary embodiments, the leaderboards 402 a may comprise aseparate window overlaid on and/or otherwise displayed together with theplayback of the class and/or the information elements. Inasmuch as theworkout class may be a pre-recorded workout class, any number ofparticipants may have already taken the class. Thus, 400 a illustratesthe leaderboard 402 a as including all participants who have ever takenthe class. Note that the user interface 400 a indicates at 404 a that2,519 users have taken the class. The leaderboard 402 a in userinterface 400 a will allow the first user and the additional users tosee their performance relative to all other users. In contrast, the userinterface 400 b includes a leaderboard 402 b that includes only thoseusers that are currently working out. Note that the user interface 400 bindicates at 404 b that 52 users are “working out now,” i.e., currentlystreaming the class. In this example, only the first user and theadditional users that opted to join the first user are shown in theleaderboard 402 b of the user interface 400 b. In exampleimplementations of this disclosure, either the leaderboard 402 a or theleaderboard 402 b may be the default leaderboard (e.g., displayed uponcommencement of the workout), and in implementations of this disclosure,a control 406 may be provided that allows the user to choose between thetwo leaderboards 402 a, 402 b. Such a choice may be made via selection,e.g., in accordance with 320 of the process 300. For instance, thecontrol 406 may be a graphical slider, toggle, button or otherconventional control element.

As illustrated in the example user interface 400 c, a user may also beprovided with additional controls to filter the respective leaderboards402 a, 402 b. By way of non-limiting example, a user may select the“filter leaderboard” control 408 associated with either of theleaderboards 402 a, 402 b and the user interface 400 c may open. Asillustrated, the user interface 400 c may include additional controls410 that may allow the user to otherwise alter the subgroup ofparticipants displayed on the leaderboard. For example, the user may beable to customize the leaderboard 402 a, 402 b to show the performanceof participants in a particular age group, male participants, femaleparticipants, male participants in a particular age group, participantsin a particular geographic area, etc. Users may have the ability toindividually curate and/or otherwise configure the leaderboard, or havethe system curate a leaderboard by selecting an appropriate group ofparticipants relative to the user.

The leaderboards 402 a, 402 b may be fully interactive, allowing theuser to scroll up and down through the participant rankings, and toselect a participant to access their detailed performance data, create aconnection such as choosing to follow that participant, or establishdirect communication such as through an audio and/or video connection.The leaderboards may also display the user's personal best performancein the same or a comparable class, to allow the user to compare theircurrent performance to their previous personal best. The leaderboardsmay also highlight certain participants, such as those that the userfollows, or provide other visual cues to indicate a connection orprovide other information about a particular entry on the leaderboard.For example, when all (e.g., current and past) participants are shown inthe leaderboard, those currently working out may be highlighted orotherwise indicated as such. In various exemplary embodiments, theleaderboard will also allow the user to view their position andperformance information at all times while scrolling through theleaderboard.

Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, a user interface 400 d includingthe leaderboard may also include additional information. Specifically,the user interface 400 d includes the leaderboard 402 a, as well as alisting 412 of additional users. For instance, the additional user list412 may be populated in real time as users join the workout.

It is understood that in any of the examples described herein, by atleast one of causing playback of a pre-recorded workout (at 302),generating and causing to be rendered a user interface for one or moreadditional users (at 304), syncing a first user's playback of thepre-recorded workout on respective displays associated with one or moreadditional users (at 308), and/or facilitating other operationsdescribed herein, the method 300 described with respect to FIG. 3 may beuseful in reducing traffic and/or public transportation usage. As aresult, the networked home-based exercise machines of the presentdisclosure utilized in association with the method 300 may contribute toreducing exhaust emissions, resource usage, and other negativeenvironmental impacts associated with automobiles and other traditionalmodes of transportation. Additionally, since the example home-basednetworked exercise machines utilized in association with the method 300eliminate the need for users to travel to a gym in order to participatein the selected workout, lost commuting time is eliminated, and theusers associated with the method 300 are left with more time in theirday. Accordingly, the quality of life of such users may be improved.

FIG. 5 is yet another example method 500 according to implementations ofthis disclosure. For example, the method 500 may allow a user tocoordinate exercising with other users using previously-recorded workoutroutines or classes. As described above with respect to the method 100shown in FIG. 1, in various example embodiments, a processor of thepresent disclosure may be programmed and/or otherwise configured togenerate and provide various user interfaces to a plurality of userssuch that the users may participate in live or archived workouts usingthe exercise machine. Accordingly, such a processor (either a remoteprocessor or a processor local to one or more of the exercise machines)may perform one or more of the operations described herein with respectto the method 500.

In accordance with the method 500, at 502, a processor may generate auser interface comprising a plurality of instructional workouts. Inexample implementations, the instructional workouts are prerecordedworkouts. The user interface may display the workouts in anyconventional manner, including an array, a list, or some otherarrangement.

At 504, the processor may receive a user selection of a workout from theplurality of workouts. In example implementations, selection of theworkout may allow the user to commence viewing and/or participating inthe workout. However, in other aspects of this example method, selectionof the workout may provide an updated user interface that allows a user(e.g., a first user) to schedule when the user will participate in theworkout. In any of the examples described herein, at 504, the method 500may include receiving, with a processor (e.g., the remote processordescribed above) in communication with a first exercise machine, a firstrequest for a pre-recorded exercise class or other such workout. In suchexamples, at 504 the first request may be provided by a first user ofthe first exercise machine.

More specifically, at 506, the processor may generate a second userinterface requesting a time for the selected workout. In implementationsof this disclosure, at 506, the processor may cause a calendar or othersimilar graphic to be displayed on the user interface. In addition tothe calendar, the processor may also prompt the first user to select adate and/or time for the workout. In any of the examples describedherein, at 506, the method 500 may include providing a schedulingrequest to the first exercise machine and via a network. In suchexamples, at 506 the scheduling request may be requesting at least oneof a proposed date and a proposed time for providing the exercise class.

At 508, the processor may receive an indication of the time, and at 510the processor may receive an indication of one or more second users tobe notified of the time. For example, at 510, the processor maydetermine friends or other users associated with the scheduling firstuser. Alternatively, the interface generated at 506 may also include aprompt or other control allowing a first user to enter information aboutother users to be invited to work out at the selected time. In any ofthe examples described herein, at 508, the method 500 may includereceiving a response to the scheduling request noted above with respectto 506. In such examples, at 508 the response may be received from thefirst exercise machine and via the network. Additionally, at 508 theresponse to the scheduling request may indicate the at least one of theproposed date and the proposed time.

At 512, based on the indication of the one or more second users receivedat 510, the processor may invite at least one of the one or more secondusers to participate in the workout at the time. Thus, as in the userinterface illustrated in FIG. 2, and discussed in detail above, usersother than the scheduling first user may receive an indication of thescheduled workout. The indication or message may also include the optionto indicate an intent to join the organizer at the time, e.g., to acceptthe invitation to work out with the first user. In any of the examplesdescribed herein, at 512, the method 500 may include providing anotification to a second user via the network. In such examples, at 512the notification may indicate the exercise class, and the at least oneof the proposed date and the proposed time.

At 514, the processor may receive an indication from at least one of theone or more second users that they will participate in the workout. Asdescribed above, one or more of the second users may respond to aninvitation with their intent to participate in the workout. In any ofthe examples described herein, at 514, the method 500 may includereceiving a response to the notification provided at 512. In suchexamples, at 514 the response may indicate that the second user willparticipate in the exercise class at the at least one of the proposeddate and the proposed time.

At 516, the processor may cause playback of the workout on the displayassociated with the first user and the at least one of the one or moresecond users. For instance, at the previously indicated time, theworkout may be streamed to each of the second users who has indicatedthey would like to participate in the workout. In other embodiments, atthe allotted time, one or more of the participants may provideinstruction to begin the workout. Such instruction may come from thefirst user, i.e., the user who organized the workout in the firstinstance, or from one of the second users. In any of the examplesdescribed herein, at 516, the method 500 may include providing a videofile via the network, to the first exercise machine and to a secondexercise machine of the second user, at the at least one of the proposeddate and the proposed time. In such examples, at 516 the video file maycomprise audio content and video content associated with the exerciseclass. Further, at 516, display of the video file via a display of thesecond exercise machine may be synchronized (e.g., temporally, in realtime) with display of the video file via a display of the first exercisemachine.

At 518, after the workout has commenced, the processor may receiveperformance data from sensors associated with the first user and the atleast one of the one or more second users. For example, the processormay receive a plurality of sensor information associated with the firstuser and/or the second users participating in the workout. Such sensorinformation may include, for example, at least one of speed, incline,heart rate, distance, hydration, respiration, output, cadence, and/orany other performance metrics or other parameters described herein. Itis understood that such first sensor information may be received by theprocessor at 312, via one or more networks, communications interfaces,mobile devices, wearable devices, monitors, and/or other devices used toconnect the processor with the user's exercise machine, which may beremote from the processor.

At 520, the processor may generate a performance user interface usingthe first information and the additional information. For instance, at316, the processor may determine a first score for the first user basedat least partly on the first sensor information received at 314. Forexample, the processor may use such information as respective inputsinto one or more neural networks, algorithms, look-up tables, and/orother components in order to generate a corresponding score. In suchexamples, the score determined at 520 may comprise a current output ofthe first user. For example, as noted above such output may comprise ametric indicative of the energy expended by the first user during theexercise class and/or other such workout. In some examples, such anoutput may be calculated and/or otherwise determined based at leastpartly on a speed at which the first user is peddling, and a resistancevalue, brake value, and/or other value indicative of a particularsetting of a stationary bicycle. Alternatively, in embodiments in whichthe exercise machine comprises a treadmill, such an output may bedetermined based at least partly on an incline of the deck, a speed ofthe belt, a resistance of the belt, and/or other factors. It isunderstood that the score determined at 520 may include one or moreadditional values such as an average output of the user, a total outputof the user, a current to cadence, an average cadence, a currentresistance, an average resistance, a current speed, an average speed, adistance, a number of calories burned, and/or any other similar metric.Further, at 520, the processor may determine additional scorescorresponding to each of the respective one or more second usersparticipating in the exercise class and/or other workout. In any of theexamples described herein, the output, performance metric score, and/orother score determined at 520 may comprise any of the performancemetrics or other scores described above with respect to 316 (FIG. 3).Further, in any of the examples described here, at 520 the processor maydetermine the score using any of the algorithms, components, orprocesses described above with respect to 316 (FIG. 3). In suchexamples, the operations performed at 520 may be substantially similarto and/or the same as those described above with respect to 316 (FIG.3).

At 522, the processor may display the performance user interface. Forexample, the performance user interface may comprise a leaderboard orother comparative graphic that shows relative performance of the firstuser and the one or more second users. The leaderboard may be one of theleaderboards 402 a, 402 b discussed above.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example user interface 600 useful for implementingone or more aspects of the method 500. More specifically, the userinterface 600 may be rendered in response to a user selecting a class,e.g., the pre-recorded class indicated at 602. The representation 602 ofthe class may also include a control 604 selectable by a user toschedule the class 602. For example, selection of the control 604 maycause display of a window 606 that includes a calendar 608, via which auser may select a date to schedule the class. Upon selecting the datevia the calendar 608, for example, a scheduling window 610 may bedisplayed in the interface 600. The scheduling window 610 may includeinformation about the class, e.g., duration, a title, an instructoridentifier, a “first-aired” date, or the like. The scheduling window 610may also include additional interface elements 614 via which the usermay enter or edit an event name, the date and time, and the event type.Elements 614 also may be provided that allow the user to invite otherusers to join them for the scheduled workout. More or fewer interfaceelements 614 may be provided, as will be appreciated. The window 610also includes a control 616 via which the user may confirm scheduling ofthe workout. For example, selecting the control 616 may send informationabout the workout to a calendaring application associated with the userand/or may send an invitation to associated users. The associated usersmay be selected by user during scheduling and/or may be identified asassociated with the user, as described previously in this disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates another user interface 700 in which scheduled events,such as those scheduled via the process 500, may be presented to users.For instance, the user interface 700 includes a listing ofavailable-to-join classes, including classes identified at 702 a, 702 b,702 c. The class listings may be added to the interface by selecting theicon 616 in FIG. 6, for example. Each class representation includes acontrol 704 via which a user may join the class. If the class is alreadyunderway, the user may be immediately presented with the video playback,synchronized with playback on other participating users' devices,generally as discussed above. For yet-to-begin classes, the listings onthe user interface 200 may include a time until the playback starts.Users may be provided with reminders as the time approaches. The list ofclasses 702 a, 702 b may be configurable. For example, 706 representsexample filters that may be applied to the listing. As also illustratedin FIG. 7, a window 708 may also be provided to allow the user to starta class. For example, the window 708 may be presented to the user uponselection of the “join” control 704. The window 708 may also include aselectable control 710 that allows the user to start the workout. Inresponse to selecting the control 710, the exercise machine may beconfigured to begin the workout and/or to join an already-in-progressplayback of the workout.

It is understood that in any of the examples described herein, by atleast one of generating a user interface comprising a plurality ofworkouts (at 502), generating a user interface requesting a time for aselected workout (at 506), inviting at least one or more additionalusers to participate in the workout (at 512), causing the playback ofthe workout on display screens associated with a first user and at leastone or more additional users (at 516), and/or facilitating otheroperations described herein, the method 500 described with respect toFIG. 5 may be useful in reducing traffic and/or public transportationusage. As a result, the networked home-based exercise machines of thepresent disclosure utilized in association with the method 500 maycontribute to reducing exhaust emissions, resource usage, and othernegative environmental impacts associated with automobiles and othertraditional modes of transportation. Additionally, since the examplehome-based networked exercise machines utilized in association with themethod 500 eliminate the need for users to travel to a gym in order toparticipate in the selected workout, lost commuting time is eliminated,and the users associated with the method 500 are left with more time intheir day. Accordingly, the quality of life of such users may beimproved.

The clauses set forth below are illustrative of example embodiments ofthe present disclosure. One or more of the clauses below may becombined, in whole or in part, in any order and in accordance withembodiments presently envisioned.

A. A method includes receiving, with a processor in communication with afirst exercise machine, a first request for an exercise class, the firstrequest being provided by a first user of the first exercise machine;providing a video file comprising audio content and video contentassociated with the exercise class to the first exercise machine, andvia a network; providing a notification to a second user via thenetwork, the notification indicating that the first user has chosen toparticipate in the exercise class; receiving, with the processor and viathe network, a second request for the exercise class, the second requestbeing provided by the second user; and based at least partly on thesecond request, providing the video file to a second exercise machine ofthe second user via the network, wherein display of the video file via adisplay of the second exercise machine is synchronized with display ofthe video file via a display of the first exercise machine.B. The method of clause A, further comprising providing a list ofavailable exercise classes to the first exercise machine, wherein: thefirst request comprises a selection of the exercise class from the listof available exercise classes, the selection is received via the displayof the first exercise machine, and the list of available exerciseclasses includes a first live class and a second pre-recorded class.C. The method of any of the clauses above, either alone or incombination, further comprising identifying the second user, with theprocessor, based at least partly on an association between the firstuser and the second user.D. The method of any of the clauses above, either alone or incombination, wherein the exercise class comprises a live class beingperformed by an instructor in real time, and wherein providing the videofile to the first and second exercise machines comprises streaming thelive class via the network.E. The method of any of the clauses above, either alone or incombination, wherein the notification comprises at least one of anemail, an SMS notification, a push notification, and a user interfacepop-up notification.F. The method of any of the clauses above, either alone or incombination, further comprising receiving a request for informationassociated with the exercise class, wherein: the request for informationis received from the second exercise machine via the network, and therequest for information is received based at least partly on a selectionof an interactive control provided by the display of the second exercisemachine.G. The method of any of the clauses above, either alone or incombination, further comprising providing a status indication to thesecond exercise machine and via the network, the status indicationcomprising one of an amount of time until the exercise class begins, oran amount of elapsed time associated with the exercise class.H. The method of any of the clauses above, either alone or incombination, further comprising providing an availability indication tothe second exercise machine and via the network, the availabilityindication comprising a number of available spots left for additionalusers in the exercise class.I. The method of any of the clauses above, either alone or incombination, further comprising providing a notification to the firstexercise machine and via the network, the notification indicating thatthe second user has joined the exercise class.J. The method of any of the clauses above, either alone or incombination, further comprising: providing first performance data,associated with the first user participating in the exercise class, tothe second exercise machine via the network; and providing secondperformance data, associated with the second user participating in theexercise class, to the first exercise machine via the network.K. A method includes receiving, with a processor in communication with afirst exercise machine, a first request for a pre-recorded exerciseclass, the first request being provided by a first user of the firstexercise machine; providing a video file comprising audio content andvideo content associated with the exercise class to the first exercisemachine, and via a network; providing a notification to a second uservia the network, the notification indicating that the first user beganparticipating in the exercise class; receiving, with the processor andvia the network, a second request for the exercise class, the secondrequest being provided by the second user after the first user beganparticipating in the exercise class; based at least partly on the secondrequest, providing the video file to a second exercise machine of thesecond user via the network; receiving, with the processor and via thenetwork, first information from the first exercise machine, the firstinformation indicating one or more performance metrics of the first userdetermined during performance of the exercise class; generating aperformance metric score of the first user based at least partly on thefirst information, the performance metric score being indicative of anamount of energy expended by the first user during performance of theexercise class; and providing the performance metric score to the firstexercise machine via the network.L. The method of any of the clauses above, either alone or incombination, wherein display of the video file via a display of thesecond exercise machine is synchronized with display of the video filevia a display of the first exercise machine.M. The method of any of the clauses above, either alone or incombination, further comprising identifying the second user, with theprocessor, based at least partly on an association between the firstuser and the second user.N. The method of any of the clauses above, either alone or incombination, the one or more performance metrics of the first usercomprising at least one of speed, incline, heart rate, distance,hydration, respiration, output, and cadence, and wherein the one or moreperformance metrics is determined by at least one of a sensor of thefirst exercise machine, a device worn by the first user, and a mobiledevice of the first user.O. The method of any of the clauses above, either alone or incombination, further comprising: receiving, with the processor and viathe network, second information from the second exercise machine, thesecond information indicating one or more performance metrics of thesecond user determined during performance of the exercise class;generating a performance metric score of the second user based at leastpartly on the second information, the performance metric score of thesecond user being indicative of an amount of energy expended by thesecond user during performance of the exercise class; providing theperformance metric score of the second user to the first exercisemachine via the network; and providing the performance metric score ofthe first user to the second exercise machine via the network.P. The method of any of the clauses above, either alone or incombination, wherein providing the performance metric score of thesecond user to the first exercise machine comprises generating aleaderboard, the leaderboard including the performance metric score ofthe first user and the performance metric score of the second user.Q. The method of any of the clauses above, either alone or incombination, wherein the leaderboard further includes performance metricscores of a plurality of additional users that participated in theexercise class prior to the first user.R. A method includes receiving, with a processor in communication with afirst exercise machine, a first request for a pre-recorded exerciseclass, the first request being provided by a first user of the firstexercise machine; providing a scheduling request to the first exercisemachine and via a network, the scheduling request requesting at leastone of a proposed date and a proposed time for providing the exerciseclass; receiving a response to the scheduling request from the firstexercise machine and via the network, the response to the schedulingrequest indicating the at least one of the proposed date and theproposed time; providing a notification to a second user via thenetwork, the notification indicating the exercise class, and the atleast one of the proposed date and the proposed time; receiving aresponse to the notification indicating the second user will participatein the exercise class at the at least one of the proposed date and theproposed time; and providing a video file via the network, to the firstexercise machine and to a second exercise machine of the second user, atthe at least one of the proposed date and the proposed time, the videofile comprising audio content and video content associated with theexercise class, wherein display of the video file via a display of thesecond exercise machine is synchronized with display of the video filevia a display of the first exercise machine.S. The method of any of the clauses above, either alone or incombination, further comprising receiving, with the processor and viathe network, first information from the first exercise machine, thefirst information indicating one or more performance metrics of thefirst user determined during performance of the exercise class;generating a performance metric score of the first user based at leastpartly on the first information, the performance metric score beingindicative of an amount of energy expended by the first user duringperformance of the exercise class; providing the performance metricscore to the first exercise machine via the network; and providing theperformance metric score to the second exercise machine via the network.T. The method of any of the clauses above, either alone or incombination, further comprising: receiving an indication of the seconduser from the first exercise machine and via the network; and providingthe notification to the second user based at least partly on theindication of the second user.

CONCLUSION

The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustrationonly and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, the claimedsubject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or alldisadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure. Variousmodifications and changes may be made to the subject matter describedherein without following the examples and applications illustrated anddescribed, and without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention, which is set forth in the following claims. Further,various aspects of the different example embodiments described hereinmay be combined, in whole or in part, and in any order without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Moreover, as noted throughout the present disclosure, exampleembodiments described herein provide an inherently technical solution tovarious technical and societal problems associated with heightenedtraffic levels. For instance, it is understood that gym-based exerciseclasses require multiple participants to travel to and from the gym toparticipate in such exercise classes, and such travel can increase localtraffic and/or can tax public modes of transportation. Such increasedtraffic can be a nuisance, and the elevated exhaust emissions andresource usage (gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas, electricity, etc.)associated with such increased traffic levels can be harmful to theenvironment. Additionally, the time and distance associated withtraveling to and from the gym to participate in such exercise classescan be a deterrent for some potential participants.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide an inherentlytechnical solution to the environmental, societal, and other problemsdescribed herein by providing home-based exercise machines thatfacilitate live streaming of instructional content (e.g., exerciseclasses or other workouts), streaming of archived instructional content,socially networked audio and video chat, networked performance metrics,and a range of other features. In particular, the home-based networkedexercise machines of the present disclosure enable users to participatein exercise classes or other workouts from home, and without having totravel to and from a gym. As a result, traffic and/or publictransportation usage may be reduced, thereby resulting in acorresponding reduction in exhaust emissions, resource usage, and othernegative environmental impacts. Additionally, since the lost commutingtime associated with traveling to and from the gym is eliminated by theexample home-based networked exercise machines and exercise systems ofthe present disclosure, the disclosed exercise machines and/or exercisesystems may improve the quality of life of users by enabling such usersto re-gain commuting time that would otherwise be wasted or lost.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving, with a processorin communication with a first exercise machine, a first request for anexercise class, the first request being provided by a first user of thefirst exercise machine; providing a video file comprising audio contentand video content associated with the exercise class to the firstexercise machine, and via a network; providing a notification to asecond user via the network, the notification indicating that the firstuser has chosen to participate in the exercise class; receiving, withthe processor and via the network, a second request for the exerciseclass, the second request being provided by the second user; and basedat least partly on the second request, providing the video file to asecond exercise machine of the second user via the network, whereindisplay of the video file via a display of the second exercise machineis synchronized with display of the video file via a display of thefirst exercise machine.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprisingproviding a list of available exercise classes to the first exercisemachine, wherein: the first request comprises a selection of theexercise class from the list of available exercise classes, theselection is received via the display of the first exercise machine, andthe list of available exercise classes includes a first live class and asecond pre-recorded class.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprisingidentifying the second user, with the processor, based at least partlyon an association between the first user and the second user.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the exercise class comprises a live classbeing performed by an instructor in real time, and wherein providing thevideo file to the first and second exercise machines comprises streamingthe live class via the network.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thenotification comprises at least one of an email, an SMS notification, apush notification, and a user interface pop-up notification.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising receiving a request forinformation associated with the exercise class, wherein: the request forinformation is received from the second exercise machine via thenetwork, and the request for information is received based at leastpartly on a selection of an interactive control provided by the displayof the second exercise machine.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising providing a status indication to the second exercise machineand via the network, the status indication comprising one of an amountof time until the exercise class begins, or an amount of elapsed timeassociated with the exercise class.
 8. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising providing an availability indication to the second exercisemachine and via the network, the availability indication comprising anumber of available spots left for additional users in the exerciseclass.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing anotification to the first exercise machine and via the network, thenotification indicating that the second user has joined the exerciseclass.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: providing firstperformance data, associated with the first user participating in theexercise class, to the second exercise machine via the network; andproviding second performance data, associated with the second userparticipating in the exercise class, to the first exercise machine viathe network.